Golden Bears push Lindsey Wilson to final whistle

BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech women’s soccer held Lindsey Wilson College scoreless after conceding in the 16th minute but came up just short in a 1-0 loss Saturday afternoon at Paul Cline Stadium. The Golden Bears moved to 4-4-1 on the season.

Tech’s first dangerous opportunity came in the seventh minute when Shiloh Goodwin put a shot on goal, forcing a save from Lindsey Wilson goalkeeper Demi Serman. Lindsey Wilson broke through at 15:41 when Ona Monserrat Baca scored off an assist from Alexandra Giusti to take a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Bears continued to work forward after the goal. Goodwin sent another attempt wide in the 21st minute, and Tech earned four corner kicks in the opening half. At the other end, freshman goalkeeper Irene Saldaña made six first-half saves to keep the deficit at one heading into the break.

Head coach Kate Carr said the group responded well after conceding, making adjustments while staying committed to the game plan. She was especially pleased with the way the Golden Bears settled in defensively and worked together to prevent Lindsey Wilson from adding to its lead.

Tech showed more energy after halftime. Caylee Simons sent an attempt wide in the 54th minute, while Sofia Filgueira and Rocío Gutiérrez created chances during the final 10 minutes as the Golden Bears searched for the equalizer.

Carr pointed to the second-half energy and effort as an important response after a slower opening half, adding that the challenge moving forward is bringing that same urgency from the opening whistle.

Saldaña turned in a strong performance in goal, finishing with eight saves over 90 minutes. She made two stops after halftime, including saves in the 77th and 89th minutes, as Tech remained within a goal.

Goodwin led WVU Tech with two shots and put the Golden Bears’ lone attempt on goal. Filgueira, Gutiérrez and Simons each added one shot. Tech finished with five shots and five corner kicks, while Lindsey Wilson recorded 13 shots and nine on goal.

Through nine matches, WVU Tech has scored 13 goals on 110 shots, putting 46 attempts on goal. The Golden Bears have also recorded 31 corner kicks and 35 saves.

What’s next

WVU Tech returns to action Thursday, Oct. 1, when the Golden Bears travel to Rio Grande, Ohio, to face the University of Rio Grande. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.